Students stage a funnier take on the Titanic tale

Coventry University student group Smoking Barrels Theatre will be presenting its performance of Christopher Durang’s bizarre seafaring comedy ‘Titanic’ on Friday as part of the SPECTRUM 2012 performing arts festival.

Smoking Barrels Theatre - Titanic

Smoking Barrels Theatre - Titanic

The play, which was first staged at the Yale School of Drama in 1974, tells the unusual and absurd story of an estranged family aboard the S.S. Titanic in an off-the-wall interpretation of the notorious maritime disaster.

From a chaotic mélange of family squabbles, recriminations, sex toys and electric drills emerges a thought-provoking and hilariously moving piece of theatre which has been likened to the farcical comedies of famed British playwright Joe Orton.

Smoking Barrels Theatre is a newly formed company based in Coventry, whose energetic attitude towards creating innovative work is the foundation on which it bases its company ethic.

Darryl Hughes, Theatre and Professional Practice student at Coventry University and member of Smoking Barrels Theatre, said: “We chose this play as it is both challenging and entertaining. The idea of this story taking place on the Titanic is both well timed – given we are in the 100th anniversary year – as well as, we hope, appealing to the public.

“During our time on the Theatre and Professional Practice course at Coventry University, we have learnt a great deal and we aim to put on a show the audience will not forget.”

The show will be taking place at the Ellen Terry Building, Jordan Well, city centre, on May 11th 2012 (£6/£4 for concessions).

SPECTRUM 2012 is Coventry University’s annual festival celebrating the huge diversity of imagination and talent of its final year performing arts students. The festival forms part of the undergraduates’ Degree Show 2012, which exhibits the original work of the UK’s next generation of creative talent.

For more details and bookings click here